The growing environmental risks of e-waste. Geneva Environment Network. (2022, Jun 22). Retrieved September 1, 2022, from https://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/resources/updates/the-growing-environmental-risks-of-e-waste/
Approximately, 57.4 million tons of E-Waste is produced globally. Due to the informal recycling process it releases emissions. The inefficient practices of recycling E-Waste negatively affect the environment and human health. The electronics that get discarded contain many toxic materials in these products that aren’t biodegradable and accumulate. The improper disposal of E-Waste is another factor contributing to climate change.
The article discusses the issue of improper practices when recycling E-Waste. Since the E-Waste is not disposed of properly, it damages the environment and endangers human health. Many of the workers who are part of these facilities that inefficiently recycle E-Waste, have their health at risk. The exposure of toxic chemicals from E-Waste aren’t biodegradable and remain in the environment, therefore increasing the risk of being exposed. Every device has a carbon footprint and when these devices are being “recycled” they release Co2, therefore, contributing to climate change. I find it concerning how this issue has escalated, especially now since the production of electronics is always increasing.
Electronics disposal is in its infancy, and it will be interesting to see how it evolves in the years to come. What are some of the toxins released from improper disposal?
A couple of the toxins that are released due to the improper disposal are mercury, lead, and barium. There are much more toxic materials released but it’s dangerous because they contaminate the soil, water, and air. Thank you for the comment!
I also find this concerning that we aren’t doing enough to reduce e-waste. The world continues to make more and more of it which is also concerning. How are they normally recycled? But also if they were to be recycled properly whats the best way?
Since many people don’t discard their electronics properly most of the time they aren’t recycled and end up in landfills. Then the E-waste just accumulates contaminating everything. The proper way is by dropping off your electronics to a facility or participating store such as Best Buy that takes in E-Waste. The first correct step is making sure they don’t end up in landfills which is our job as people to do. Thank you for the comment!
Though it’s pretty new, we need to figure out an effective way to deal with E-Waste. Do you have any ideas?
The issue humans because this issue is something we could have avoided if people were to discard their devices correctly. Making sure they don’t end up in landfills is every important. In order lessen the amount of E-Waste being improperly discarded, we can take the electronics to a facility that recycles E-waste or a participating store that will take the E-Waste. Thank you for the comment!
I agree with your article, I wonder if what is the best way to properly discard e-waste?
The best way we can lessen this issue is by taking the E-Waste to facilities or participating stores that will take the E-waste for you. Since people are the cause of this issue we can reverse the problem by making sure it doesn’t end up in landfills. Thank you for the comment!
I believe that e-waste will only grow, so how would you combat the spread of electronics if there is no way to properly discard of electronics?
Now our society depends of technology and each year it’s always evolving. However there is a proper way to discard of the E-waste which is making sure we as individuals make sure we take responsibility by taking the E-waste to a facility or participating store. This ensures that the E-Waste won’t end up in landfills because this is a recurring root of the problem. Thank you for the comment!